Nostalgia – Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

A Little Drama, A Lot of Heart: My Love for the “Drama Queens” Podcast

Oh my gosh, where are my One Tree Hill fans at?! 🙋‍♀️ When I found out that Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton Morgan, and Bethany Joy Lenz reunited to launch the “Drama Queens” podcast, I nearly squealed. (Okay fine… I definitely squealed.) These three women — who brought Brooke, Peyton, and Haley to life — are diving back into the show that defined an era, and my nostalgic heart can hardly handle it.

Now, I’ll be honest — I’ve never been much of a podcast girl. But hearing that the OTH ladies were breaking down every episode, spilling behind-the-scenes stories, and sharing what it was really like filming in Wilmington, North Carolina? Yeah, I was instantly hooked. It’s like getting coffee with old friends who just happen to be your favorite TV icons.

They launched Drama Queens in June 2021, and the podcast has been pure magic ever since. Listening to them chat about those nine unforgettable seasons has me right back in my teenage bedroom, eyes glued to the screen, swooning over Lucas Scott (don’t judge me 😅). Though, let’s be real — looking back, I should’ve been team Nathan or Skills. What was I thinking?! 😂

And can we just talk about how iconic these women are? Sophia Bush will forever be my ultimate girl crush. I actually had the absolute honor of meeting her once at a campaign event at Iowa State University — and let me tell you, she is every bit as genuine and kind as you’d imagine. I was so starstruck but somehow felt like I’d known her for years (which, honestly, after all those OTH marathons, I basically had). I didn’t get a selfie — major regret — but the memory still gives me chills.

What I love most about Drama Queens is that it’s not just about the nostalgia. It’s about sisterhood, growing up, and looking back on a show that shaped so many of us. These women talk about real-life lessons, challenges, and friendships that lasted long after the cameras stopped rolling. And yes, they even sprinkle in a few fun extras — like a killer cocktail recipe from Bethany Joy Lenz that I can’t wait to try.

So, if you were ever part of the One Tree Hill fandom (or even if you weren’t but love a good story about growth and friendship), pour yourself a glass of wine, hit play on Drama Queens, and prepare to be swept away in all the feels.

As Brooke Davis once said — “People who are meant to be together always find their way in the end.” And somehow, it feels like the girls — and all of us — just did. 💖

August 11, 2021

A Sense of Unity — Connecting with My Grandmother in Sweden

Peak morning, this sunny mile through peaceful wooden Sweden,
sense of a unity of my blood with all I see.
I wish Mom would have seen this.
It is so wonderful to think it is my heritage,
this graceful, serene land.
Saw a deer back in the wood.”

— Vivian Olson, June 15th, 1986

Reading this entry from my grandmother’s diary fills me with so much warmth. When I picture being back in Sweden, it feels like home — calm, familiar, and full of quiet beauty. In so many ways, I feel like my grandparents are there with me, walking those same sunlit paths and breathing in the same crisp air.

During my own visit to Sweden, I often found myself thinking about those who came before me — the generations that shaped who I am today. My grandma and I both experienced the same awe for the Swedish landscape, the same peace in its forests, and the same feeling of belonging that transcends time.

There’s something incredibly special about reading her words and realizing we shared this deep appreciation for the country that’s part of our heritage. Her poems and reflections remind me that history doesn’t just repeat itself — it connects us. Even though she’s gone, her voice continues to guide me, bridging the past and present in the most beautiful way.

May 31, 2018

The Magic That Stays With You ✨Page 394

If you know me at all, this post probably won’t surprise you — because yes, I’m that person who still adores Harry Potter. The books, the movies, the characters… they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

When I heard about Alan Rickman’s passing, I felt this wave of nostalgia and sadness. It reminded me just how much these stories have shaped me.

I still remember one Halloween in elementary school when I dressed up as Hermione. It was the perfect costume — all I needed was my curly, slightly wild hair and a wand. My mom even entered me in a Hermione lookalike contest at our local bookstore (I felt so cool).

To this day, whenever I’m sick, bored, or just need something comforting, Harry Potter is my go-to. It’s like revisiting old friends who know exactly how to make things better. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to relate to the characters in new ways — especially Severus Snape. Alan Rickman brought such depth and humanity to that character. His performance taught me that people are rarely just good or bad — there’s so much in between.

I love that these characters — Hermione, Luna, Snape — still live with me in some way. They’ve grown up with me, comforted me, and inspired me.

So thank you, Alan Rickman, for giving life to one of the most complex and unforgettable characters in the wizarding world. Always. ⚡

January 23, 2016

After All Tomorrow Is Another Day – Losing a Grandparent

“We’re at the age where we’re starting to lose people.”

That’s what my friend said as we sat across from each other at a local coffee shop — two friends who hadn’t seen each other in months but picked up like no time had passed.

During the conversation, we spoke about loved ones who had left us this year. I explained how I had seen a loved one’s body minutes after their soul had left. I almost couldn’t believe it was the same person. There was nothing behind their eyes. I was taken back by the blank stare, and the body reminded me of wax. I will never forget this image, and sometimes I wish I could. However, this image also seems to give me peace. I believe his soul had left his body and moved on to a better place.

I’m not sure what I believe in, but I know that there is a God. Sometimes I wonder if those who have so little confidence in God are the ones who have never seen a body without a soul.